Back in 1998 when Land Rover first launched the Freelander, the compact luxury SUV market was in its infancy.

Fast forward to 2012 and the competition has become intense, and the compact 4WD is fighting a battle on several fronts against quality opposition including the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.

It's even coming under friendly fire from its fresher, more stylish sibling, the Range Rover Evoque.

Although the Evoque carries the more prestigious badge and is positioned as such, the success of the stylish SUV has had a major influence on the 2013 model Freelander 2.

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Instead of the traditional Land Rover traits such as off-road prowess and practicality, this latest update has focused on improving the car's luxury and refinement.

There is no talk of improved ground clearance or breakover angles for the latest Freelander, instead its a “premium overhaul” with a “sportier look” and “better comfort”.

The biggest change is the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, replacing the old model's 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit, taken directly from the Evoque. It's basically the same EcoBoost engine used by Ford in its Falcon range.

The new engine - dubbed Si4 - is more powerful (177kW/340Nm compared with 171kW/317Nm for the old Si6) and more fuel efficient (9.6 litres per 100km against 10.7L/100km) and produces less CO2 (224g/km to 255g/km).

The other changes include a new-look dashboard and a new front grille and lights across all models, plus other improvements for more expensive variants. They include a seven-inch colour touchscreen, updated sat-nav system (also from the Evoque) with "say what you see" voice prompts, a rear view camera and an 825W Meridian 17-speaker sound system.

But despite all these changes that bring the Freelander closer to the Evoque in terms of comfort and refinement, Land Rover is confident that the two SUVs still appeal to different buyers.

“The distinction between the two cars is they get the practicality [with the Freelander],” says Tim Krieger, Land Rover Australia brand manager.

“[Freelander buyers] want the refinement but they still want to be able to chuck the family and stuff in the back and weekend away. The Evoque is more of a style statement.

“Freelander is still the entry-level Land Rover, it's their first taste of the brand. That's why it's got to have the same capabilities of the rest of the range.”

Ironically, the Evoque actually boasts greater ground clearance, albeit only by 12mm, than the Freelander. Although the pair shares the same basic underpinnings, the Evoque benefits from changes that the Freelander won't get until the next generation model arrives in the next three to four years.

Land Rover Australia has dropped prices on the diesel range thanks to the favourable exchange rate.

The updated line-up begins with the 110kW TD4 2.2-litre turbo diesel model. It is the only model to come with a fuel-saving stop-start system, and even then it is only available with the manual gearbox. It's priced from $42,300 (a $2690 drop on the old model). Upgrading to the six-speed automatic adds $2300.

1 comment so far

I have a favourite bad memory of a Freelander 1 diesel blowing up its motor in front of me and completely disappearing behind a cloud of burning oil and fuel. I was driving a Discovery at the time. Happened to a few of them I understand. Hope the quality has improved.